Toronto has been named as a candidate host city as part of the United 2026 bid to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Earlier this week, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, announced the Government of Canada’s support-in-principle for United 2026.

Held every four years, the FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious tournament of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Co-hosting this international event, watched by billions of people worldwide, would provide considerable sport, social, community, cultural and economic benefits, as well as showcase Canada around the world.

While Canada has never hosted the FIFA World Cup™ for men, it has successfully hosted other FIFA competitions at different levels, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™. This record-setting tournament was held in six cities and provinces from coast to coast across the country. The 1.35 million spectators who attended the newly expanded 24-team competition were responsible for an economic impact of nearly half a billion dollars.

The soccer governing bodies for Canada, Mexico and the United States jointly announced on April 10, 2017, that they would pursue a bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.

The importance of the Canada-United States-Mexico relationship is reflected in our strong diplomatic, cultural, educational and commercial relations. Canada remains committed to strengthening its multi-faceted relationship with its North American friends and allies. The collaboration of our three governments in support of the United Bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ is another example of how much our three countries can achieve when we work together toward common goals.